There's growing chatter Luis Díaz could be catching the eye of Barcelona as part of its summer strategy, especially with Anfield bracing for a busy transfer period ahead.
Liverpool secured Díaz on a five-and-a-half-year contract in January 2022, having forked out £37 million ($50 million) to Porto for the winger's services. Since his move, the Colombian star has chalked up 147 appearances across all competitions, with a tally of 41 goals and 21 assists.
Yet, there's speculation that his stint with Liverpool might soon draw to a close. Barcelona's interest is evident, but voices from Catalonia raise doubts about whether Díaz would mesh well with Hansi Flick's tactical plans.
Speaking to Sport, Bruno Alemany, an expert on international football, suggests Díaz comes with reservations: "It's true that he has an asterisk: he's a fairly inconsistent player. He can go three weeks without appearing, although he usually puts in good performances in big games. But in terms of pure performance, he's a player who struggles to find consistency."
Adding to the discourse, Miguel Pereira, a Portuguese journalist who observed Díaz during his time at Porto, contemplates if the attacker would be content playing second string to Raphinha. His assessment was shared with the publication.
"Technically, I think he's one of the most talented players in the world right now," he said. "He's a player who can contribute a lot to Flick's aggressive style, although signing Luis Diaz as Raphinha's backup wouldn't suit me because he's a player who's fit to start for any team in the world.
Luis Diaz
Luis Diaz has played a part in Liverpool's latest title win (Image: (Image: Getty))
"I don't know to what extent his character would allow him to endure a long substitution. It's true that he can also play on the other side; at Porto, I saw him play a few games on the right wing, but there you have Lamine [Yamal], who is the best in the world."
Journalist Marc Mayola suggested Diaz would be a valuable signing, saying: "Diaz is not a box-to-box striker, but he is a high-energy striker, with a sharp, vertical gaze toward goal, who breaks away aggressively, who can score goals, and who combines. A very aggressive player in everything he does, including his pressing. He's a very Raphinha-like profile, if you're being clear."